“Let's expand the team so we can provide more access”

Since late July, Washington’s Dental Therapy Task Force [[link removed]] has been meeting to discuss how our lawmakers can improve access to dental care for those of us with the highest barriers to getting the care we need. Following the Task Force’s final meeting next Tuesday November 9 , they will be ready to deliver a final report to our lawmakers.

[Photo of Family laying in grass, smiling. Text reads: ''We all deserve a healthy smile, no matter our race, where we live, or how much we make'' ''Washington Dental Access Campaign'']

The Task Force has heard directly from practicing dental therapists, supervising dentists, and Tribal leaders at the forefront of health equity. It’s clear that dental therapy not only works but, is the best path forward in the fight against our state’s oral health crisis.

During October’s meeting, Task Force members reviewed policy proposals to expand access to dental care. Dr. Beatrice Gandara, Clinical Associate Professor, Oral Medicine at the University of Washington shared: “I am working out there with our dental students and faculty with people who don’t have oral health care access at any level and it’s really astonishing. Every person I see who has caries in their front teeth, or is missing their front teeth, they can’t get jobs. It has an impact at so many levels, it’s so important. Let’s expand the team so we can provide more access.”

We know either firsthand or from a family member or friend that delaying dental care can be extremely painful and expensive. What we’ve heard from people across Washington struggling to get the care they need is that dental care is not affordable or they can’t find a dentist in their area who takes their insurance. The research shows [[link removed]] that adding dental therapists to the care team cuts down on wait times for an appointment and can prevent dental emergencies.

The final meeting of the Dental Therapy Task Force takes place next Tuesday, November 9. If you, like Dr. Gandara, believe that dental therapists should be allowed to bring care to communities across Washington state, take a few minutes to contact your lawmakers now: [link removed]

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